Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe – capping off the second day in Paris

Bruning photo of Eiffel TowerThe Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris.  Reservations can be difficult to come by at a reasonable price and must be booked well in advance.  However, if you visit in the evening you will have much shorter lines, and if you are lucky enough to have a sunny evening following a rainy day you are going to fare even better.  We had a very brief wait to take the first lift which will take you to the second floor of the tower.  Even from this level the views are wonderful, and there is a little gift shop there.  We were fortunate to have tickets to the summit. Kayla's photo from the Eiffel Tower This required a longer wait, both going up and coming down.  We were repeatedly reminded in several languages that pick-pockets were active in the tower and to watch all of our belongings. To the right is a view from the top, of the place we stood the day before to take our first group photo! The night was still young so we decided to take in a second iconic site which was the Arc de Triomphe.  The history of the arch and the memories of battles, leaders and fallen soldiers was very moving.  Many of the students were surprised by the height and mass of the arch.Standing beneath the Arc de Triomphe  Again, a site that must be experienced and a visit that must place you beneath the arch, and at the tomb of the unknown soldier.  The vistas down the radiating boulevards is also spectacular.  Following our visit several of us stayed to stroll the Champs Elysee and have a fashionably late dinner at the Georges V.  A wonderful end to our second day in Paris!  Tomorrow will bring an early morning visit to Sacre Coeur and Montmartre.

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